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These types of plans are provided for University business purposes and are funded by Penn State colleges and departments.

Information Technology Services (ITS) is responsible for establishing University contracts with cellular service providers. These contracts generally provide for discounts for both University and employee-owned voice and data services and equipment.

Requests for cellular services should be made by departments directly to cellular service providers and are not required to go through ITS. At non-University Park locations, arrangements for cellular service are normally made through the Business Office or Operations Office at
that location. The requesting location (usually the Director of Business
Services) makes direct contact with the potential cellular service
providers.

*Effective June 1, 2009, Verizon's Unlimited Allowance
Mobile Broadband Data Usage is no longer available to Penn State. All data
cards assigned the unlimited plan, prior to June 1, 2009, will remain on that plan
unless a change is requested.

Factors to Consider

If an employee requires cellular service for business purposes, the department and employee should consider the following factors to determine the best options for the particular circumstances and situation of both the department and the employee:

Two options are available for provision of cellular services to employees:

University-owned cellular plans/devices

Taxable allowance for business use of a personal plan/device

Penn State’s policy governing cellular service is FN-21, Non-Office Telecommunications Services
(Formerly BS19). An employee may have a need to conduct University
business away from his/her usual University place of work. As such,
there can be a need for telecommunications services that accommodate the
individual's mobile work style. For the purposes of this policy, all
means of telecommunications at locations away from an employee's work
place shall be referred to as "non-office telecommunication." Policy FN21 defines the responsibility for the coordination and usage of non-office telecommunications services.

Penn State has tested AT&T and Verizon Wireless mobile devices to verify functionality with various Penn State information systems. See results and reports on the Mobile Device Application Testing website.

Wireless local number portability provides the ability to change service providers within
the same local area and keep the same cellular phone number. When a
number is to be ported, the order will be issued to the new carrier, who
will start the process of porting by contacting the current carrier.
Orders must include the current billing account number and billing name
and address assigned to the cellular service. Service should not be
terminated with the existing carrier before initiating service with the
prospective new carrier

An early
termination fee may apply if the current cellular service has a long-term contract.

Wireless handsets are often incompatible among
different wireless service providers. A new phone
may need to be purchased, even when retaining the same cellular phone
number.

Changing or Canceling Service

To cancel service, send email to ITSCSG@PSU.EDU
and include cellular number, user name, and billing account number. No
forms are required. A confirmation will be sent
when the service has been canceled.